Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
A rich and comforting Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole that combines savory seasoned ground beef with creamy melted cheeses. This low-carb, high-fat casserole is perfect for a hearty dinner and is ready in just 30 minutes. It features simple pantry spices blended with cream cheese and cheddar, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped for garnish)
Others
- Olive oil spray (for pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat into small pieces, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat and return beef to skillet.
- Season and Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to medium. Add sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the beef. Slowly add cubed cream cheese, stirring consistently and patiently until fully melted and well incorporated into the beef mixture.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Turn off the heat and mix in half (½ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest loosely covered for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best melting and creaminess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred heat level.
- Allow the casserole to rest so it sets and is easier to serve.
- This casserole is great for meal prepping and reheats well.